8 New Ways to Braid Your Hair

So you’re a pro at basic braiding — you can criss cross your mane in a perfect fishtail, Dutch or French braid with your eyes closed. And now that you’ve nailed Braiding 101, it’s time to take your DIY hairstyling skills to the next level. That’s where this tutorial comes into play in a major way. We’re showing you eight different ways to turn your go-to braids into brand-new looks that are all photo-ready in just nine steps or less!

Headband Braid

1. Give yourself a heavy side part and let the hair fall on the opposite side of your head.

2. Starting two inches in from the side of your head with the part, braid a two-inch section of hair, adding a small elastic when you reach the end.

3. Gently separate the braid to create more volume.

4. Lift up a two-inch section of hair on the opposite side of your head. Then wrap the braid around your forehead and pin it underneath the lifted section.

5. Use bobby pins in a cross pin form to secure the braid in place, then drop the section of hair back over the pins to hide them.

Annnd that’s a wrap! :)

Messy Fishtails

1. Part your hair in two sections and back comb each section with a wide tooth comb to create lots of messy texture and volume.

2. Beginning at your cheekbones, gently fishtail braid both sections — be careful not to smooth down the texture too much while braiding.

3. Secure each end with a small elastic.

4. Gently separate the braid to loosen and even let some stray hairs stick out to get the pretty-messy look.